Adopting: Pros and Cons for Older and Younger Pets

Lea Jaratz

There’s no right or wrong way to pick your next addition to the family. When it comes to adopting a pet, you’re saving a life and opening space for another loved one in the process. But have you considered the pros and cons of adopting young, adult, or senior pets in the selection process? You might find the ultimate match by thinking about age instead of just breed, sex, or size.

Bringing Home a Kitten or Puppy

Nothing is cuter than a new puppy or kitten – so bright eyed, fluffy, and smelling of puppy or kitten breath. In some cases, it’s a blank slate for a new home to rear and train, but they can be a lot of work.

Expect more things to get ruined. Accidents, chewing, and scratching are much more likely in young or adolescent pets

Can be scratchy and nippy, which is sometimes a risk for kids or the elderly

You might not get a clear picture of what they’ll look like as an adult. It’s impossible to predict their size, personality, how much they’ll shed, etc.

Adopting a Senior Pet

Senior pets are generally harder to place than their younger counterparts, but that doesn’t make them less special. When you adopt an adult or senior, you’re giving a second chance to a pet that might change your home and life for the better.

Pros:

More easy going with less exercise needs

More likely to be potty trained and less likely to chew or destroy furniture

Might have already been trained to follow basic commands and can be less distracted during training

Often socialized to more people and situations

So snuggly! You can count on a senior pet to stay on your warm lap longer

What you see is what you get: temperament and personality are apparent, letting you pick the right demeanor to suit you

Shorter term commitment for those with lots of life changes coming along

Cons:

Might come with some bad habits or you might need to help them unlearn behaviors you don’t appreciate

Might need more potty breaks or assistance with mobility

More likely to incur veterinary costs earlier into the relationship. (These may or may not be covered by insurance, depending on when you got them covered and when the issue became apparent.)

You won’t have as much time with them

If you find yourself liking elements of both young and senior pets, consider an adult dog or cat. Animals over the age of one or two tend to have the best of both worlds. Give it some thought and time and the right pet will manage to find you when you’re ready.

While you can't predict when your pet is going to get sick or injured, you can protect yourself from expensive veterinary bills. Embrace Pet Insurance gives you the freedom to do what’s best for your pet without stressing over the cost. Easily personalize your coverage to fit your budget and your pet’s needs, then visit any vet for nose-to-tail coverage. Check out what the Embrace plan covers or compare pet insurance providers to learn more.